Hello SilverNessima and Welcome!
Ohmygosh, your post brought back many memories of my journey towards becoming a Commissioned Officer in the USARNC.
I started the process after returning from Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. My number 1 son, Matt (a MP with 127th MP Bn) was critically wounded Down Range 2 years ago. I was told he was dying. When I arrived at his bedside in the ICU I didn't immediately recognize him. If not for the nursing and medical care he received from the Army and Air Force he would have died. It was then that I wanted to somehow give back to the US Government for not giving up on our wounded service men and women, and despite my "advanced"age of 49 I started down that road.
I received a waiver for my age. I submitted my package, got the thumbs up and started my journey through MEPS. Passed with flying colors (all except the audiogram, seems I have age related hearing loss but received a waiver for that, as well). Did the duck walk, proved I was 100% female....Got the final A-Okay and took the Oath. That was among one of my proudest milestones (besides having my three sons and passing my nursing Boards)
Started a "too long put off, let me eat one last Twinkie" physical regime: Even though I passed bythismuch my BMI, weight and tape measurements I succeeded in losing an additional 10 pounds, lost several inches from different parts of my anatomy (smile) and easily surpassed the push-up, sit-up and 2 mile run scores for a female in my age range (sigh).
I had attempted to change from RC to AC, but something about my age (another sigh) and that I can't give "them" a full 20 before retirement....Oh well. I am in the process of being activated and I have volunteered for deployment
My kids are 200% behind me. My son (now almost fully recovered from that second IED incident) is at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and he wants me to transfer down there to be closer to him. My number 3 is seriously thinking about the Army (Go Green)
I can't speak for everyone who considers this life journey. I didn't "do it/start it" for glory or money. Just my way of giving thanks.
Plus the feeling of Pride, well, its....Priceless. Yeah, most of my immediate family and friends think I am insane. That is another reason why I transfered to the VA. They "get it"
Listen, much luck to you! If I can assist you in any way, don't hesitate to email me. I am very grateful for this Forum and for All Nurses.
"I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our Soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them" Clara Barton
Respectfully,
athena
77th RRC
8th MED BDE
4219th USAH

Sep 1, '06

Quote from SilverNessima

Hi,

I've been lurking around here for a while and thanks to all for all the information/input I've come across.

I just put in my packet with the USAR Army Nurse Corp! I'm excited but also (still) a little scared about the entire thing, but just can't NOT do it if I can.

Awaiting word on what comes next...MEPS...

45 and going for this! And on top of that my husband is in the USAR and probably leaving again early next year.

I just wanted to tell someone who might understand what I'm doing and why...a lot of my co-workers just don't get it.

Congratulations,

Good luck, good luck, and good luck!

Once you are in you will be surrounded by other nurses who "get it!"

My packet is not yet complete but, it is nearly. Due to teh enlisted age extension there is a slight possibility that I may indeed be able to go commision and get my 20 by 62, (not 60).

When my recruiter was mentioninb packages to pay off your debt I casually and very sternly said, "Oh, the Army isn't going to pay off my student loans, but, that is not why I want to become a part." So, it is very much a want to give back, especially so to those young men and women.

Please let us know how it goes.
Gen

Sep 1, '06

Wow! Your reasons for joining the USAR nurse corps is simply inspirational. At 32, I felt a bit old for switching gears in my life to pursue a nursing degree with the notion of joining the military after graduating.
I'm finishing up my pre-reqs now and hope to enter the core nursing courses next Fall 07. Who knows where our nation will be at in regards to this war, but I want to make sure to be a part of it whatever that may be.

Is that a naive way of thinking? Some of my friends may think so, but whatever or wherever one's politics lie, there are true Americans out there making a huge difference in the world.

My hat's off to them as well as to you.
Thank you for your service.
4mrEMT73

Sep 1, '06

Outstanding news & keep us posted! FYI...It will take 2-6 months to get back a reply on your application packet. Do you know which Reserve Unit you will be assigned, yet?

Congrats!

Sep 1, '06

Quote from athena55

"I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our Soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them" Clara Barton
Respectfully,
athena
77th RRC
8th MED BDE
4219th USAH

Thank you! The quote above says it well.

I too am working on the "belated" PT regime...pushups are hard! :wink2:

A few weeks ago I went to a Family Day with my husband. When I looked around at the soldiers and thought about what they do, I felt I have to do my part. It's funny, I just got a call last night to restart some activities with the FRG here...nothing like keeping yourself busy!

I am SO glad I found this forum...reading other posts helped me actually mail the packet out...

Sep 14, '06

Wow...got a call from my recruiter and I'm scheduled for MEPS next week! That seemed to happen a little fast!

Sep 15, '06

Quote from SilverNessima

Wow...got a call from my recruiter and I'm scheduled for MEPS next week! That seemed to happen a little fast!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Good for you! Wow.

To update on my package, it is turned in and all of my forms have made there way. My recruiter called the other day to say they are preparing it for the next phase and he said they would present it at the next 'round' in October since we missed the September one.

Since I've already done Meps I will still go back there to sign and swear in, [if accepted, hopefully]. I am very glad for you, can't wait to hear more updates.

Gen

Sep 18, '06

Howdy, all, been lurking for a couple weeks now, turned in my packet in time for last weeks board meet, will find out results and what they are gonna offer in a week or two per my recruiter, think he is more excited than me! SilverNessima, good luck and have " fun " at the Meps - blech!

Last edit by IraBeaOasis on Sep 18, '06

Sep 18, '06

Quote from IraBeaOasis

Howdy, all, been lurking for a couple weeks now, turned in my packet in time for last weeks board meet, will find out results and what they are gonna offer in a week or two per my recruiter, think he is more excited than me! SilverNessima, good luck and have " fun " at the Meps - blech!

Hi,
Darn! My recruiter said we missed the September Board and had to wait for October, argh, the wait!

OH, I forgot to tell Slivernessima that Meps for an over 40 female does include the digital/rectal, but no worries! I am sure its all over now.
Gen

Sep 18, '06

Quote from Gennaver

...Since I've already done Meps I will still go back there to sign and swear in, [if accepted, hopefully]...

Gen

Gen, you can take oath of office for your direct commission at the AHC Recruiting office. After my physical at MEPS I never went back to the MEPS.

Sep 18, '06

Quote from IraBeaOasis

Howdy, all, been lurking for a couple weeks now, turned in my packet in time for last weeks board meet, will find out results and what they are gonna offer in a week or two per my recruiter, think he is more excited than me! SilverNessima, good luck and have " fun " at the MEPS - blech!

Good luck & keep us posted.

Sep 18, '06

Corvette Guy, thank you, and I will. If I get offered a commision, and I accept it, my TPU will be the 345 CSH, Jax, Florida, USAR. And, thank the good Lord, I don't ever have to return to that Meps again either, Whew! Thought it'd be much more organized and efficient than when I first processed back in the 80's, but sadly, no...Ah well.